COMMENTARY: WE ALL DESERVE A GOOD CHEWING OF THE GLUTES

Remember when the military wasn’t so “touchy-feely”? I actually remember when Letters of Counseling were handed out with a quality chewing of the glutes. It’s amazing how things have changed.

I feel like some of the passion has disappeared (or been forced) from the Air Force, and maybe a few deserving people need to be yelled at. Let’s be honest, some people don’t respond to coddling and they need someone up in their face, making it real. I’m a little offended if someone isn’t in my face when I deserve it.

Growing up I naturally learned from my mistakes, but when my mom yelled at me I seemed to remember it a little better. Plus, I still accept the responsibilities that came with my decision to enlist in the Air Force and getting yelled at back then was just part of the equation.

You must be wondering why I’m on my “soap box.” Here’s why I’m so charged up: I’m tired of seeing the simplest mistakes ignored by Airmen.

I’m tired of reading headlines in the paper about military equipment being lost or stolen and most likely ending up in the hands of our adversaries (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-afghan-smuggling-jun06,0,6512596.story). Do you realize the result of that could be your death or the death of a friend?

I’m tired of people not taking OPSEC and security more seriously. I see doors unsecured to controlled areas and DoD vehicle decals on cars at used sales lots. These are simple things, and we just ignore them because we are either lazy or just don’t care.

Here is another example. Recently a Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff conducted a vehicle stop where the driver was wearing a U.S. Air Force uniform complete with stripes and other accouterments. The individual informed the deputy he was not in the Air Force and that he was a truck driver that delivers hazardous materials to military bases. He stated he was given the uniform by an unidentified person because it would make it easier for him to gain access to military installations.

Do you know how you’re supposed to dispose of old uniform items? Do you realize how easy it is to remove the stripes, nametapes and rank? Do you own a razor blade for scrapping old DoD decals off your car? Oh, that’s right, you need to be coddled and I need to come over and scrape it off for you.

I think we all deserve a good chewing of the glutes regarding our complacency because we are all guilty – some more than others. If you’re the “touchy-feely” type, please don’t take this personally because it’s not necessarily directed at you. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind us all how one minor security failure can be the difference between life and death. This is serious business and despite what you think the smallest or obscure mistake in any career field could cost one of our comrades their life.

by Capt. Shawn Perceful, 129th Rescue Wing Antiterrorism Officer
From 129th Rescue Wing California Air National Guard “Rescuegram” Newsletter, September 2008 issue.

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